WATCH: Denice Zamboanga unloads a storm of punishment against Alyona Rassohyna for interim atomweight MMA gold

Alyona Rassohyna (left), Denice Zamboanga (right) [Photo via ONE Championship]
Alyona Rassohyna (left), Denice Zamboanga (right) [Photo via ONE Championship]

After a grueling five-year journey in pursuit of glory, Denice Zamboanga has finally ascended to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, becoming a world champion.

‘The Menace' delivered a masterclass performance at ONE Fight Night 27 on Friday, Jan. 10, pulverizing Alyona Rassohyna to claim the ONE interim women’s atomweight MMA world championship.

Check the highlights of the matchup below:

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Right from the get-go, Zamboanga stepped on the gas pedal, pressuring the seasoned Ukrainian with her signature striking arsenal.

When Rassohyna sought to take the fight to the ground, the Filipina flipped the script, punishing her opponent with sharp elbows in the clinch before executing a takedown of her own.

Even on the mat, Zamboanga remained relentless. She thwarted a dangerous armbar attempt and answered with a barrage of heavy strikes before returning to her feet, maintaining control in every exchange.

Rassohyna continued to hunt for opportunities to put matters on the ground, but Zamboanga’s airtight defense and dominant positioning closed every door.

The T-Rex MMA representative ended the opening salvo firmly in control, asserting her superiority in both the striking and grappling departments.

The second round unfolded much the same, with Zamboanga methodically working from inside Rassohyna’s guard and landing punishing blows. As the period wound down, Rassohyna made a last-ditch effort with leg entanglements, but Zamboanga seamlessly transitioned to side control.

From there, Zamboanga unleashed a relentless storm of hammerfists, compelling referee Herb Dean to intervene with just 13 seconds remaining in the frame.


Denice Zamboanga takes home an extra $50,000

The emphatic victory not only improved Denice Zamboanga’s professional record to 12-2 but also earned her a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

More significantly, Zamboanga etched her name in history as the first Filipina mixed martial artist to capture a major world title, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport.

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Edited by Harvey Leonard
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